SPCA column: Only takes a moment for medical emergency

I was shocked and saddened the other day to receive news that a Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals alum had passed away. He went to rescue about a year ago — he was a gorgeous pit bull who had been passed over by adopters but was saved by a local pit bull rescue. He was a wonderful dog whose family loved him very, very much.

What caused the death of this young and healthy dog? Something almost all dog owners have lying around the house and yard — a ball. The dog had chewed on the ball and ingested a piece. This piece caused an internal blockage and resulted in damage that could not be repaired. He died while receiving veterinary care, leaving behind a heartbroken family and rescue.

PetMD defines gastrointestinal obstruction as "the partial or complete blockage of the flow of nutrients (solid or liquid) ingested into the body, and/or secretions from the stomach into and through the intestines." It's fearfully common in dogs (although it can happen to any animal), and the best thing you can do is learn the signs and seek early treatment if you suspect that your dog ate something it shouldn't have. Unfortunately, the signs of a blockage are similar to the signs of a a simple upset stomach — vomiting, refusal to eat, lethargy, diarrhea and weight loss.

Sheela
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Photo/Cumberland County SPCA
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Nothing about a blockage is good news; diagnosis can be expensive, and treatment often is. Early detection also is key in this area. A veterinarian typically will need to X-ray or preform an ultrasound to see if there is a blockage. But if caught early enough, sometimes objects can be passed safely by inducing vomiting or monitoring, if the object is small enough. Typically, however, surgery is required to remove the blockage. Complications can happen — a dog I knew had eaten a ripped towel and, as it went through her system, strings from the towel wrapped around and cut open her intestine. Fortunately, she was able to be saved by a skilled surgeon, although she had a long and difficult recovery.

Even the most diligent pet owners takes their eyes off of their dog from time to time, and a moment is all it takes for a pet to eat something it shouldn't. Sometimes we may not even be aware our pet has consumed something inappropriate. We have lots of shredded tennis balls in the yard — was it the mower or the dog? It's impossible to tell. Many people (myself included) often tend to wait it out when a dog is showing signs of an upset belly, due to limited funds. Who wants to spend money when a dog could be recovered by the next morning? But early detection is so important when it comes to blockages.

Georgina
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Photo/Cumberland County SPCA
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One of the smartest things I did was take out a pet insurance policy on my dog the day we adopted him. He was young and healthy and had no pre-existing conditions. When he began showing signs of stomach distress, we were able to get him right to the vet, knowing we could afford it thanks to the insurance. And the insurance saved his life. He didn't have a blockage. Instead, he required multiple X-rays, ultrasounds, round after round of blood work, emergency overnight hospital stays and finally a visit to an emergency specialist to determine that he was having a reaction to medication. We never would have been able to afford this treatment without insurance.

There are many options for pet insurance now, so shop around. My family's insurer reimburses us for 80 percent of all covered costs. Every company offers different terms and options. Some will offer emergency coverage (injuries, illnesses, etc.), which would be a lower monthly payment than a plan that also covers wellness care (vaccines, annual testing, etc.). You can get quotes to determine which plan is the best option for your pet and family.

Even with the diligent care and the best intentions, pets become sick or hurt. Having an insurance plan allows you to be prepared to offer your pet lifesaving treatment.

The CCSPCA will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the shelter.

Pets of the Week

Who doesn't love a kitten? Go to PetSmart in the Union Lake Crossing shopping center in Millville and check out Brenda. Her adoption fee is $25 till Oct. 31.

Sheela will make you smile. This kitten is too cute for her own good.

Millie is a sweet and petite 8-month-old dilute calico. This kitten is also our longest resident at the shelter. Hard to believe, isn't it? She would be an awesome addition to any family.

Maple and Cedar
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Photo/Cumberland County SPCA
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Maple and Cedar are two 9-month-old tortis who are very sweet and loving. These kittens are a great duo, but they can be adopted separately.

Trixie Triceratops is a Maine Coon mix cat. She is about 2 years old, and is sweet and fun-loving.

Trixie Triceratops
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Photo/Cumberland County SPCA
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India is an 8-year-old cat. She shouldn't be in a shelter — she should be on your lap. She loves attention and is so very sweet and beautiful. Please consider adopting India.

Georgina is a sweet and gentle 8-month-old female kitten who has grown up in foster care with her brother Glenn, who also is looking for a home.

The Pets of the Week are just a few of the animals awaiting adoption at the CCSPCA. Visit www.cumberlandcountySPCA.org, email adoptions@cumberlandcountyspca.org, call (856) 691-1500 or visit the shelter at 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland.

Maria DeFillipo is the Junior Volunteer coordinator and foster care coordinator for the CCSPCA.